So if I have this straight ignoring variations within each model S&W essentially made three different 32 center fire top break revolvers

Model 1 1/2 top break spur trigger hammer single action
Model ?? top break trigger guard hammer double action
Model ?? top break trigger guard hammer-less double action

(is the last one is considered "double" action even though it can only be fired uncocked?)

All three are essentially on the same frame size is there a frame size designation?

The Model 1 1/2 is best called a 32 Single Action.

As far as I can remember, the first was was the 32 Single Action (spur trigger), followed by Double Action hammer models 1 through 5 (all had trigger guards), and 3 models of 32 Safety hammerless revolvers.

Accepted names for these were:

32 Single Action
32 Double Action, 1st Model
32 Double Action, 2nd Model
32 Double Action, 3rd Model
32 Double Action, 4th Model
32 Double Action, 5th Model
32 Safety, 1st Model
32 Safety, 2nd Model
32 Safety, 3rd Model

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Any good books listing the variations or just the standard catalog?

I wanted one of each type to start with - I got the other two last week and picked up the DA today. Will post some better photos when it arrives

Attached Images

8966009_01_vintage_smith_wesson_top_break_640.jpg (51.5 KB, 30 views)

The Model 1 1/2 points very well. However, the .32 S&W round is pretty anemic. I shot a coke can with the one
I had at about 10 feet and it just barely knocked it off of a fence post. Some day, I would like to find a doggy one and re-chamber it to .22 LR.

However, I still don't want to be shot with one!!!

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

The bible of vintage S&W collecting remains a book written by Robert Neal and Roy Jinks, called Smith & Wesson 1857 - 1945. It is available in a 1996 reprint at a good price, even cheaper if you can find a used copy. It details every model of Smith & Wesson up to World War II. Everyone should have a copy.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

In regard to one of the OPs original questions ... I'll defer to Gary about the Safety Hammerless. Could that accurately be defined as a "double action only" ?

As Gary stated above, and I emphatically agree, the book Smith & Wesson 1857-1945 by Robert Neal and Roy Jinks, is a "must have" for collectors of antique and older S&Ws. It's still the "go to" book for many antique or older and lesser known S&W guns.

I have several copies (and some duplicates) of the original 1966 and 1975 printings. I also have a spare R&R reprint.

I also have the original in German. Another original double signed by Roy Jinks and Robert Neal, which is odd because Robert Neal rarely signed anything.

And ... I even have one copy of the original printing that were error prints and never released. It the one where the cover is upside down from the printed text of the book.

Yes, I'm a bibliophile ... I admit it.

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ANTIQUESMITHS
LM1300 SWHF425

The action is double action - DAO, but I do not recall ever seeing company literature even referring to that model as a double action, even in their catalogs. Their hammered cousin are named Double Action, but that name is a bit of a misnomer since they can be fired in DA and SA. Would that be called a DSA?

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Excluding the single double nomenclature would we be in agreement these three models were the only revolvers S&W chambered in 32S&W? The hand eject was chambered in 32S&W Long which could chamber 32S&W as well but wasn't specifically made for it

Not quite. There were about 230 Model 1891 Single Shot pistols offered in that caliber, as well as some large frame New Model 3 revolvers.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Thanks

I wonder why the large frame with such s pipsqueak cartridge were they target guns?

I think several of the rare calibers that were offered in this model were ordered by Bullseye shooters, so they would have been set up with adjustable target sights.

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Gary
SWCA 2515